Pony Express
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER OF O. HENRY MIDDLE SCHOOL
Mustang Families,
As we settle into the third week of January, we are officially back in the swing of things as we continue through the third quarter of the school year. This time of year often brings renewed routines, fresh goals, and steady momentum for our students. Even as the weather turns colder, our Mustangs continue to show resilience, focus, and growth each day. Please know that our teachers and staff remain committed to supporting all our Mustangs academically, socially, and emotionally as we move through this semester.
With a rare Texas winter storm in the forecast, all AISD events have been cancelled for Saturday. We encourage families to continue monitoring local news and AISD communications for additional weather-related updates. Please also begin preparing for the cold temperatures expected next week, students should arrive at school dressed in multiple warm layers, as outdoor temperatures may be very cold during arrival, dismissal, and transitions.
AISD district leadership has shared that any decisions regarding potential weather-related delays for Monday will be communicated by Sunday at 5:00 PM.
All-City Band Performance
We are proud of our Mustang musicians who participated in the All-City Band performance. We are very proud of our Mustangs who participated.
8th Grade Families: Please bookmark our dedicated HS Advancement Newsletter! It will continue to be updated with relevant information throughout the spring.
Transfers:
General enrollment and general transfers such as to Austin HS opens on Feb 16th. Applications for admissions-based and magnet programs opened on January 12th.
Car, Bus, Bike, and Walking Transportation
Bus Transportation: Students who take AISD buses will be picked up and dropped off on Wayside Dr on the east side of the property. The map to the side shows our bus lane. Families use the Where's the Bus through the AISD Portal or the phone app to track bus arrival times. Students pick up and drop off in the same place on Wayside Drive. Link to AISD's Bus Transportation Department homepage with contact information. Families seeking a "bus pass" to ride a route that they are not zoned to cannot be placed on routes for the first two weeks of school until space for zoned riders is confirmed. More information is available 7:45 am to 4:45 pm Monday though Friday at 512-414-0238.
Car Riders, Walkers, and Map: We understand that car dropoff can be a stressful time for families, especially at the beginning of the year for unfamiliar drivers and passengers. The map to the side shows the main drop off areas as well as the bus lane. While we do not close the street to eastbound traffic, having cars travel westbound on 10th Street is the safest option so that students do not have to cross in front of traffic or risk opening doors into traffic.
Staying on Campus Once Dropped Off: A reminder to all students, whether walkers, car riders, or bus riders, that once your mode of transportation has brought you to campus, you may not leave the campus to visit HEB, 7/11, or other locations. Students may not leave the property without being checked out by their guardian.
